1864 saw the highest numbers of emigrants cross the Great Plains to escape the immense pressures of war, to seize the opportunity to find gold, or to start afresh. One family’s adventure has been preserved in a diary, now considered an American literary treasure. Come hear how the Rousseau family from Iowa endured the journey with poison water holes, quicksand, robberies, the searing Mojave, and starvation near the snow-capped San Bernardino Mountains. Unique for the Arizona Historical Society–an exploration of the Rousseaus in the Arizona Territory. Presented by Janelle Molony, award-winning author and descendant of the Rousseau family. 

G-rated content suitable for all ages. Q&A and book signing to follow. 

Dr. Kristen Rex will discuss National History Day Arizona and the league’s funding and volunteerism for the event. Also, she’ll review the success of Arizona students at National History Day and her experiences in Maryland at the National History Day. Leonard Moody is in charge of National History Day in Arizona and will share his enthusiasm working with students in grades 4 – 12.  Meetings are now held in the Brown Theater. Lunch will follow. Lunch may be purchased online or reserve your place with Susan Howard and pay by cash or check by Thursday, September 5, 2024. Members with reservations are responsible for payment even if unable to attend.

We begin our 2024-25 season with a presentation from our very own Dr. Kristen Rex, Vice President of Education, Arizona Historical Society. Dr. Rex will discuss National History Day Arizona* and the History League’s funding and volunteerism for the event. She’ll also review how Arizona students did in this past year’s competition, recount what the experience in Maryland was like for her and the kids, and provide a preview of the upcoming year’s competition.

Dr. Rex is a second-generation educator and third-generation Arizonan. She earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education/journalism and Masters of Educational Leadership from
Northern Arizona University. She earned her Master in Humanities and Doctor of Education from Harrison Middleton University where she focused on Arizona State reading standards. .She
brings a love for history and learning as her parents, brother, and numerous aunts and uncles were Arizona educators.

Leonard Moody is a Tucson native and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from U of A. Leonard joined AHS in February of 2024 as the National History Day Coordinator for Arizona. History has always been a strong interest of his and he enjoys running a program where he can share his interest with students ranging from 4th grade through 12th grade. Leonard is committed to
contributing to academic excellence and is determined to make history exciting for the next generation.
*National History Day Arizona is a signature program of the Arizona Historical Society and is open to all middle- and high-school students in Arizona.

The Historical League welcomes guests to our monthly general meetings and programs. Meetings start at 10 a.m. followed by a program and catered lunch. See our website, HistoricalLeague.org for more information.

Join the Arizona Historical Society for a book talk with professor emeritus of American Indian Studies, Dr. Tom Holm. Dr. Holm will discuss his book, Ira Hayes: The Akimel O’odham Warrior, World War II, and the Price of Heroism.

Join the Arizona Historical Society for a virtual book talk with historian Dr. Brian Behnken. Dr. Behnken will discuss his book, Borders of Violence and Justice: Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and Law Enforcement in the Southwest, 1835-1935, with a special focus on Arizona.